Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the salivary glands, specifically the parotid glands. These glands are located under the ears and are responsible for producing saliva. The virus that causes mumps is called the mumps virus and it is spread through contact with respiratory droplets or saliva from an infected person. Mumps was a common childhood illness before the widespread use of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, but with the vaccine, mumps cases have significantly decreased.
Symptoms of mumps typically appear within 2-3 weeks after infection and can last for several weeks. The most common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen and tender salivary glands. The swelling of the salivary glands is a classic symptom of mumps and is often referred to as “parotitis.” In some cases, the person may have swollen testicles (orchitis) or ovaries (oophoritis) if they are infected with mumps.
In some cases, mumps can also cause other complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, and even deafness. Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, and encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. These complications are rare but can be serious and require immediate medical attention. Deafness is also a rare complication, but it can occur if the infection spreads to the inner ear.
The best way to prevent mumps is to be vaccinated against it. The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing mumps and is typically given to children as part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule. The vaccine is usually given in two doses, the first dose at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. It is important to note that the vaccine is not 100% effective and there is a small chance that a person who has been vaccinated can still get mumps. However, the risk of complications is significantly lower in vaccinated individuals.
Diagnosis of mumps is usually made based on the person’s symptoms and physical examination. Your healthcare provider may also order blood tests or a swab test from the inside of the cheek to confirm the diagnosis. If mumps is suspected, it is important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the infection to others.
Treatment for mumps typically involves relieving symptoms such as fever and pain. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to reduce fever and pain. Drinking plenty of fluids and eating soft foods can also help alleviate discomfort. It is important to rest and avoid contact with other people to prevent the spread of the infection.
In severe cases, a person may need to be hospitalized for further treatment. For example, if a person has meningitis or encephalitis, they will need to be hospitalized and treated with antibiotics and other medications. If a person has orchitis or oophoritis, they may need to be hospitalized for observation and treatment.
It is important to note that there is no specific treatment for mumps, and the virus has to run its course. However, in cases where the person has severe symptoms or complications, they may need to be hospitalized for further treatment.
It is also important to be aware that while mumps is less common due to the success of vaccination, outbreaks can still occur, particularly in unvaccinated or under-vaccinated communities. This is why it is crucial to ensure that vaccination rates stay high in order to protect not only individuals but also the wider community.
It’s also worth mentioning that while mumps is usually a mild illness, it can have serious complications, particularly in adults. Adults who contract mumps are at a higher risk of developing complications such as orchitis (testicular inflammation) in men, which can lead to infertility, and oophoritis (ovarian inflammation) in women. Pregnant women who contract mumps in the first trimester of pregnancy have a higher risk of miscarriage.
Mumps is also a public health concern because it can be easily spread in settings where people are in close contact, such as schools, universities and military barracks. Outbreaks can occur in these settings and cause significant disruption.
To sum up, mumps is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the salivary glands, the best way to prevent mumps is to be vaccinated against it. The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing mumps and it is typically given to children as part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule. If you suspect you or someone you know has mumps, it is important to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. It is important to follow proper hygiene practices, to avoid close contact with people who have mumps or who have been recently exposed to mumps and to be aware that while mumps is less common due to the success of vaccination, outbreaks can still occur in unvaccinated or under-vaccinated communities.
About The Author
Dr. Krisca is a highly-educated and skilled physician who has obtained a BS Public Health degree from the University of the Philippines Manila and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the De La Salle Medical Health Sciences Institute. She is a licensed physician and also a Registered Medical Technologist. She has received additional training in Hemodialysis for Non-Nephro Physicians on duty and has completed online courses in related fields like depression in populations from John Hopkins University and positive psychiatry from The University of Sydney. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of International Health in the University of the Philippines.
Dr. Krisca is known for her outstanding skills and compassionate approach to healthcare that make a positive impact on people’s lives. Through her passion for healthcare, she hopes to make a difference in the world and help people lead healthier, happier lives.
